On the outside, everything was there. I had a good childhood. I never felt like I needed anything. We were happy. I was a good student, I was part of student government, people perceived me as being happy-go-lucky.

But something was missing.

I had a basic knowledge of God. I went to church on Christmas and Easter and had friends who were Christians  even a friend whose father was a pastor. I understood religion.

But something was missing.

I met Jon my junior year in college. He was the furthest thing from my "type", so it took a while for him to talk me into dating, but he persisted.

We dated for over a year when we came to a crossroads. He told me he needed a little space in our relationship, which I didnt understand at all. When I went to confront him about what he meant, I found him with another girl.

Needless to say, I was devastated. He came to me, telling me he wanted me back. He said he had decided to make changes in his life, to go back to church and move his life in a positive direction.

I was skeptical, but then I watched him change. He organized a Bible study and invited five guys and me to attend. At one of the first Bible studies I received Jesus as the Lord of my life.

Since that time, the Lord has methodically brought us along. The Lord has filled the void in my life with His presence. Its so exciting to have a relationship with Jesus.

And that relationship has given me the strength to live. Its given me the strength to be able to forgive and be forgiven. Jesus presence in my life has healed me and given me peace.

And my relationship with the Lord has impacted all the other relationships in my life. We have a strong marriage. And despite the fact I never envisioned myself as a stay-at-home mother and wife, I understand the importance of that in Gods eyes, and I feel very fortunate and blessed to be able to stay home with my children, because many dont have that opportunity.

Some time, when the circumstances permit, Jon and I both plan to return to school, get our Masters Degrees and teach and coach together in a high school. We want to invest ourselves in kids.

I had a Phys. Ed. Teacher in high school who impacted my life in positive ways. She was a teacher, a coach, a mentor, and someone who I admired. She impacted my life just by her presence.

We had lost contact for a while, but when we got back in touch, I told her about the changes in my life. I told her I had come to know the Lord, and she was excited.

Thats what I want to do. I want to share with others the blessings Ive been given. I want to be a positive influence in peoples lives, especially kids and young couples.

But above all, I want to share with them what I have on the inside, where there used to be a hole  my relationship with Jesus.

If you would like to know more about Jesus and what He can do for you, just click the button on the left side of your screen to change your life.